[Skip to Content]

Should You Worry About School Violence?

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD



Why Does School Violence Happen?

School violence isn't easy to understand. There is no single reason why students become violent. Some are just following behavior they've seen at home, on the streets, or in video games, movies, or TV. Some are dealing with mental health problems, like depression. Sometimes, people who turn violent are victims of teasing and bullying who've hit a limit and feel like they would do anything to make it stop. They may feel isolated and rejected by their peers. These are only a couple of the reasons why a person may become violent.


What Can I Do?


  • playing with weapons of any kind
  • showing an obsession with violent movies or playing violent games
  • bullying or threatening other people
  • cruelty to pets or other animals



If you've witnessed or experienced violence of any kind, not talking about it can make feelings build up inside and cause problems such as depression, anxiety, and fear. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop in someone who has lived through a traumatic event, such as a serious car accident, physical or sexual abuse, or a shooting.


Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: February 2018